Furniture Testing 101 the Definitive Guide to North American Furniture Testing

Furniture Testing 101 The Definitive Guide to North American Furniture Testing

Intertek 4700 Broadmoor SE - Suite 200 Kentwood, MI 49512 http://www.intertek.com/furniture 1-800-WORLDLAB [email protected] The Definitive Guide to North American Furniture Testing

The Definitive Guide to North American Furniture Testing

Manufacturers also risk damaging their brand by bringing a product to market that does not meet their quality standards or the minimum industry standard.

The Definitive Guide to North American Furniture Testing

Appendix A – Performance Testing

Standards-Setting Organization – The Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association (BIFMA) develops and publishes standards for commercial-grade office furniture products; residential furniture manufacturers are encouraged to review these standards with an accredited testing organization to determine how to best apply these standards to their product. The standards are developed in accordance with American National Standards Institute (ANSI) procedures.

Purpose of Testing – Standards are designed to provide manufacturers and users with a common basis for evaluating safety, durability, and the structural integrity of furniture. The acceptance levels and test parameters given in this standard are based on the actual field use and test experience of BIFMA International members and are intended to assess the performance of new products only, not products that have been in use. The combination of cycle and static tests used in performance testing simulate stresses that would be placed on furniture in a normal-use environment.

Key Testing Standards ANSI BIFMA x5.1 General Purpose Office Chairs (Issued: 2011) This standard is intended to provide manufacturers, specifiers, and users with a common basis for evaluating the safety, durability, and structural adequacy of general-purpose office chairs, which are normally used in an office environment and may include, but are not limited to, those seating styles typically referred to as ‘executive/management,’ ‘task/secretarial,’ ‘side/guest chairs,’ ‘stacking chairs,’ ‘tablet arm chairs’ and ‘stools.’

The standard defines specific tests, the laboratory equipment that may be used, the conditions of tests, and the minimum acceptance levels to be used in evaluating general-purpose office chairs. Where appropriate, the CAESAR anthropometric database (2002 report), which indicates that the 95th percentile male weighs 253 pounds, was used in the development of the tests. The tests were developed with an estimated product life of ten years based on single-shift usage. Product life will be affected by user size/weight, product use, care and maintenance, environment, and other factors, and, as such, product compliance to this standard does not necessarily guarantee a ten-year product life.

ANSI BIFMA x5.1 General Purpose Office Chairs Section Test Description Section Test Description

5 Backrest Strength Test – Static – Type I 15 Backrest Durability Test – Cyclic – Type I Backrest Durability Test – Cyclic – Type II 6 Backrest Strength Test – Static – Type II & III 16 &III Caster / Chair Base – Durability Test - 7 Base Test - Static 17 Cyclic 8 Drop Test - Dynamic 18 Leg Strength – Front & Side Application

9 Swivel Test - Cyclic 19 Footrest Static Load Test - Vertical

10 Tilt Mechanism Test - Cyclic 20 Footrest Durability Test – Vertical - Cyclic

11 Seating Durability Test - Cyclic 21 Arm Durability Test - Cyclic Out Stop For Chairs w/ Manually Adjustable 12 Stability Test 22 Seat Depth 13 Arm Strength –Vertical - Static 23 Tablet Arm Static Load

14 Arm Strength – Horizontal - Static 24 Tablet Arm Load Ease Test - Cyclic

The Definitive Guide to North American Furniture Testing

ANSI BIFMA X5.3 Vertical Files (Issued: 2007) This standard is intended to provide a common basis for evaluating the safety, durability, and structural performance of vertical files. The standard defines tests used to determine the acceptability of the product and specifies the acceptance levels of performance.

ANSI BIFMA X5.3 Vertical Files Section Test Description Section Test Description

4 Stability Test 11 Out Stop Test Unit Strength Test (Includes Proof and 5 12 Lock Tests Functional Loads) 6 Racking Resistance Test 12.1 Force Test for Locks

7 Drop Test 12.2 Locking Mechanism Cycling Test

8 Extendible Element Cycle Test 13 Latch Test (Static)

9 Interlock Test 14 Compressor Test

10 Rebound Test 15 Pull Force Test

ANSI BIFMA X5.4 Lounge and Public Seating (Issued: 2012) This standard is intended to provide manufacturers, specifiers, and users with a common basis for evaluating the safety, durability, and structural adequacy of business and institutional lounge and public seating, which is normally used in indoor public spaces such as waiting, reception, or gathering areas and includes products with single seat units, units with multiple seating positions within one unit, or ganged seating units. Lounge and public seating may be restrained from moving by attaching to the building structure or freestanding and are generally not adjustable for personal use. This standard does not address general-purpose or task-oriented office chairs, or seating used for stadiums, auditoriums, lecture rooms, airports/train stations, and similar high-use public seating areas. Where a product may be covered by more than one ANSI/BIFMA standard, the manufacturer shall determine which standard provides most appropriate test conditions. Where a product is intended for use outside of the commercial office and related institutional environments, it is the responsibility of the user of this standard to determine if it is suitable for use in such evaluations.

Where appropriate, the CAESAR anthropometric database (2002report), which indicates that the 95th percentile male weighs 253 pounds, was used in the development of the tests. The tests were developed with an estimated product life of ten years based on continuous single-shift usage. Product life will be affected by user size/weight, product use, care and maintenance, environment, and other factors, and, as such, product compliance to this standard does not necessarily guarantee a ten-year product life. Products may perform longer than 10 years with appropriate use and care. This standard may not apply to seating for persons in medically compromised conditions that are often found in certain healthcare environments, such as physical therapy and weight loss clinics. These environments may require specific product designs that may not be adequately covered by the requirements of this standard.

The Definitive Guide to North American Furniture Testing

ANSI BIFMA X5.4 Lounge and Public Seating Section Test Description Section Test Description

5 Backrest Strength Test - Horizontal - Static 15 Drop Test - Dynamic Leg Strength Test - Front and Side 6 Backrest Strength Test - Vertical - Static 16 Application 7 Backrest Durability Test - Horizontal - Cyclic 17 Unit Drop Test - Dynamic

8 Backrest Durability Test - Vertical - Cyclic 18 Caster/Unit Base Durability Test - Cyclic

9 Arm Strength Test - Horizontal - Static 19 Swivel Test - Cyclic

10 Arm Strength Test - Vertical - Static 20 Tilt Mechanism Test - Cyclic

11 Arm Durability Test - Horizontal - Cyclic 21 Stability Tests

12 Arm Durability Test – Vertical - Cyclic 22 Tablet Arm Load Ease Test - Cyclic

13 Arm Durability Test - Angular - Cyclic 23 Tablet Arm Load Test - Static

14 Seating Durability Test - Cyclic

ANSI BIFMA X5.5 Desk/Table Products (Issued: 2014) This standard provides a common basis for evaluating the safety, durability, and structural performance of desk/table products intended for use in commercial office and related institutional environments such as educational environments and provides test methods and performance requirements for desk/table products. Where a product may be covered by more than one ANSI/BIFMA standard, the manufacturer shall determine which standard provides the most appropriate test conditions. Where a product is intended for use outside of the commercial office and related institutional environments, it is the responsibility of the user of this standard to determine if it is suitable for use in such evaluations.

NOTE: Commercial product naming conventions may cause confusion regarding the applicability of this and other BIFMA standards. For example, a “credenza” is typically defined and tested in the BIFMA X5.5 Desk standard; however, some configurations of “credenzas” will appear to be storage products within the definition of this standard and may be appropriately tested by X5.9 Storage Units - Tests standard. The manufacturer shall determine which standard provides the most appropriate test conditions.

The tests were developed with an estimated product life of ten years based on a single-shift usage. Product life will be affected by product use, care and maintenance, environment, and other factors. Product compliance to this standard does not necessarily guarantee a ten-year product life. Products may perform longer than ten years with appropriate use and care.

The Definitive Guide to North American Furniture Testing

ANSI BIFMA X5.5 Desk/Table Products Section Test Description Section Test Description

4 Stability Tests 14.2 Force Test for Extendible Element Locks

4.2 Stability with Extendible Elements Open Test 14.3 Force Test for Door Locks

4.3 Stability Under Vertical Load Test 14.4 Locking Mechanism Cycle Test Horizontal Stability Test for Desks/Tables with 4.4 15 Work Surface Vertical Adjustment Test Casters Stability Test for Keyboard/Laptop Tables Keyboard Support and Input Device 4.5 16 (with and without casters) Support Adjustment Tests Force Stability Test for Tall Desk/Table 4.6 17 Door Tests Products Strength Test for Vertically-Hinged Doors, 5 Unit Strength Test 17.2 Bi-fold Doors, and Vertically Receding Doors Hinge Override Test for Vertically-Hinged 5.2 Concentrated Functional Load Test 17.3 Doors 5.3 Distributed Functional Load Test 17.4 Vertically Receding Doors Strength Test

5.4 Concentrated Proof Load Test 17.5 Horizontal Receding Doors Strength Test Wear and Fatigue Test for Hinged, 5.5 Distributed Proof Load Test 17.6 Horizontal Sliding, and Tambour Doors Wear and Fatigue Test for Vertical 5.6 Transaction Surface Torsion Load Test 17.7 Receding Doors Wear and Fatigue Test for Horizontal 5.7 Extendible Element Static Load Test 17.8 Receding Doors Benching Systems – Distributed Functional Vertical and Horizontal Receding Door Out 5.8 17.9 Load and Stability Test Stop Test – Cyclic Impact and Durability Benching Systems – Distributed Proof Load Slam Closed Test for Vertically Hinged and 5.9 17.10 Test Vertically Receding Doors Drop Cycle Test for Horizontally Hinged and 6 Top Load Ease Cycle Test 17.11 Horizontally Receding Doors Slam Test for Doors that Free Fall Open or 7 Desk/Table Unit Drop Test 17.12 Closed Slam Open and Closed Test for Doors That 8 Leg Strength Test 17.13 Do Not Free Fall 9 Separation Tests for Tall Desk/Table Products 17.14 Door Latch Test Durability Test for Desks and Tables with 10 Extendible Element Cycle Test 18 Casters Cycle Test for Extendible Elements Deeper 10.2 19 Pull Force Test than Wide Cycle Test for Extendible Elements Wider than 10.3 20 Tilting Top Table – Cycle Test Deep 10.4 Cycle Test for Low Height Drawers 21 Tilting Top Table – Latch Strength Test Extendible Element Retention Impact and 11 22 Monitor Arm Strength Test Durability (Out Stop) Tests 12 Extendible Element Rebound Test 23 Monitor Arm Cyclic Test

13 Interlock Strength Test 24 Monitor Arm Dislodgement Test

14 Lock Tests

The Definitive Guide to North American Furniture Testing

ANSI BIFMA X5.6 Panel Systems (Issued: 2010) This standard is intended to provide a common basis for evaluating the safety, durability, and structural performance of panel systems products, such as panels, screens, panel-supported systems, and various hang-on components used in conjunction with panel systems products. Building wall-mounted components are not covered by this standard; they are covered by ANSI/BIFMA X5.9 Standard for Office Furniture Storage Units – Tests. Where a product may be covered by more than one ANSI/BIFMA standard, the manufacturer shall determine which standard provides most appropriate test conditions. Where a product is intended for use outside of the commercial office and related institutional environments, it is the responsibility of the user of this standard to determine if it is suitable for use in such evaluations. This standard specifies acceptance levels to help ensure reasonable safety and performance independent of construction materials, manufacturing processes, mechanical designs, or aesthetic designs. The acceptance levels herein are based on the actual field and test experience of BIFMA International members. This standard also provides recommendations for acoustical performance of panel systems products. The standard defines tests used to determine the acceptability of the product and specifies the acceptance levels of performance. These tests are not intended to assess a product that has been in use.

NOTE: The scope of this standard includes panel system products and related components only. Requirements for freestanding and mobile furniture products are included in other BIFMA standards.

ANSI BIFMA X5.6 Panel Systems Section Test Description Section Test Description

4 Panel Flammability Quoted Upon Request 9 Lock Tests – Static

5 Stability Tests for Panel Systems Products 9.1 Test for Extendible Element Locks

5.1 Force Stability Test 9.2 Force Test for Door Locks Panel Mounted Component Cyclic 5.2 Impact Stability Test 10 Durability Tests Work Surface Durability (Top Load Ease) 5.3 Force Stability Test for Screens 10.1 Test Mechanical Strength Tests for Panel Systems Cycle Test for Extendible Elements Deeper 6 10.2 Products Than Wide Panel System Strength Test – Static Functional Cycle Test for Extendible Elements Wider 6.2 10.3 Load Than Deep Panel System Strength Test – Static Proof 6.3 10.4 Cycle Test for Center/Pencil Drawers Load Results Reported with Section 6.2 Extendible Element Retention Impact and 7 Panel Glide Assembly Strength Test 10.5 Durability Tests 8 Panel Component Static Load Tests 10.6 Rebound Test Primary Surface Concentrated Functional Load 8.1 10.7 Locking Mechanism Cycle Test Test Horizontal Surface Distributed Functional Load Keyboard Support and Input Device 8.2 10.8 Tests Support Adjustment Tests Primary Surface Concentrated Proof Load 8.3 10.9 Work Surface Vertical Adjustment Test Tests Reported with Section 8.2 Horizontal Surface Distributed Proof Load 8.4 11 Door Tests Tests Strength Test for Vertically Hinged Doors, 8.5 Transaction Surfaces Torsional Load Test 11.2 Bi-fold Doors, and Vert. Receding Functional Load Test for Panel Mounted Hinge Override Test for Vertically Hinged 8.6 11.3 Storage Units – Static Doors

The Definitive Guide to North American Furniture Testing

ANSI BIFMA X5.6 Panel Systems (continued) Slam Test for Doors which Free-Fall Open 11.4 Vertical Receding Doors Strength Test 11.12 or Closed Slam Open/Closed Test for Doors that Do 11.5 Horizontal Receding Doors Strength Test 11.13 Not Free-Fall Wear and Fatigue Tests for Hinged, 11.6 11.14 Door Latch Test Horizontally Sliding, and Tambour Doors Wear and Fatigue Test for Vertical Receding Disengagement Tests for Panel Mounted 11.7 12 Door Components Wear and Fatigue Test for Horizontal Receding 11.8 12.1 Upward Force Static Disengagement Test Door Vertical or Horizontal Receding Door Out Stop 11.9 12.2 Upward Force Impact Disengagement Test Test, Cyclic Impact & Durability Pull Force Test Results Reported with 11.10 Slam Closed Test for Vertically Hinged Doors 13 Above Test Data Drop Test for Horizontally Hinged Doors – 11.11 Cyclic

ANSI BIFMA X5.9 Storage Units (Issued: 2012) This standard is intended to provide a common basis for evaluating the safety, durability, and structural performance of storage units, which include freestanding, mobile, and wall-mounted storage units. Where a product may be covered by more than one ANSI/BIFMA standard, the manufacturer shall determine which standard provides most appropriate test conditions. Vertical files shall only be tested under X5.3 Vertical Files - Tests. Where a product is intended for use outside of the commercial office and related institutional environments, it is the responsibility of the user of this standard to determine if it is suitable for use in such evaluations.

Note: Commercial product naming conventions may cause confusion regarding the applicability of this and other BIFMA standards. For example, a “credenza” is typically defined and tested in the BIFMA X5.5 Desk standard; however, some configurations of “credenzas” will appear to be storage products within the definition of this standard and may be appropriately tested by this standard. The manufacturer shall determine which standard provides most appropriate test conditions.

The tests were developed with an estimated product life of ten years based on a single-shift usage. Product life will be affected by product use, care and maintenance, environment, and other factors: product compliance to this standard does not necessarily guarantee a ten-year product life. Products may perform longer than ten years with appropriate use and care.

ANSI BIFMA X5.9 Storage Units Section Test Description Section Test Description Durability Test for Units with Seating 4 Unit Strength Test 7.3 Surfaces – Cyclic Impact 5 Leg/Glide Assembly Strength Test 8 Separation and Disengagement Tests Separation Test for Tall Storage Units with 6 Racking Resistance Test 8.1 Vertically Attached or Stackable Components Upward Impact Force Disengagement Test 7 Vertical Load Durability Tests 8.2 for Storage Units Upward Force Static Disengagement Test 7.1 Top Load Ease Cycle Test 8.3 for Storage Units Drop Test – Dynamic – for Units with Seat 7.2 9 Stability Tests Surfaces

The Definitive Guide to North American Furniture Testing

ANSI BIFMA X5.9 Storage Units (continued) Horizontal Force Stability Test for Tall Storage Extendible Element Retention Impact and 9.2 13 Units Durability (Out Stop) Tests Stability Test for Type l Units with at least one 9.3 14 Lock Tests Extendible Element Stability Test for Type l Storage Units with 9.4 14.2 Force Test for Extendible Element Locks Multiple Extendible Elements Stability Test for Type ll Storage Units having 9.5 14.3 Force Test for Door Locks Extendible Elements 9.6 Vertical Force Stability Test for Storage Units 14.4 Locking Mechanism Cycle Test Stability Test for Pedestals/Storage Units with 9.7 15 Extendible Element Cycle Tests Seat Surfaces Cycle Tests for Extendible Elements 10 Storage Unit Drop Test 15.2 Deeper than Wide that Do Not Swivel Movement Durability Test for Mobile Storage Cycle Tests for Extendible Elements Wider 11 15.3 Units than Deep that Do Not Swivel Horizontal Cycle Test for Television/Video 12 Rebound Test 15.4 Display Terminal Extendible Elements

ANSI BIFMA X6.1 Educational Seating (Issued: 2012) This standard is intended to provide manufacturers, specifiers, and users with a common basis for evaluating the safety, durability, and structural adequacy of Educational Seating, including units with integrated desk or table surfaces. The tests in this standard are intended to evaluate seating for students in pre-school, elementary, middle school, high school, adult education, trade school, and college, for learning and common space environments. These tests are not intended to evaluate products used in living/dorm environments. The educational seating products covered by this standard are normally used in schools and colleges and include those typically referred to as chairs, stacking chairs, tablet-arm chairs, chair/desks, stools, and convertible bench/tables. Neither folding chairs nor seating products that are anchored to the building floor or structure are covered by this standard. Chairs with tilting seats and/or backs such as executive/management chairs, task/secretarial/teacher chairs, and side/guest chairs may be used in educational environments, but these products are covered by ANSI/BIFMA X5.1 General- Purpose Office Chairs - Tests (designated within that standard as Type l and ll). Similarly, items such as lounge seating may also be used in the educational environment; however, these are covered by ANSI/BIFMA X5.4 Lounge Seating - Tests. Mobile cafeteria tables with attached seating are covered by UL 2040 “Folding Rollaway Tables.”

Where a product may be covered by more than one ANSI/BIFMA standard, the manufacturer shall determine which standard provides most appropriate test conditions. Where a product is intended for use outside of the educational and related institutional environments, it is the responsibility of the user of this standard to determine if it is suitable for use in such evaluations.

Tests in this standard were developed considering the weight ranges based on age (not grade level) for the size categories – see Table 2. These weights were taken from CAESAR and/or NHANES as appropriate. Chair size (categories) was based on size/weight information from NHANES combined data set years 2005-2008. Where appropriate, the CAESAR anthropometric database (2002 report), which indicates the 95th percentile male weighs 253 pounds, was used in the development of the tests for size C. This standard also considered the occasional use of the smaller (Category A and B) products by adults. The tests were developed with an estimated product life of ten years based on estimates for usage as determined by the manufacturer’s experience and research.

In general, seating was estimated to be used 6.5 to 8 hours/day and 170-180 days per year for learning environments and other common space environments and 2 to 4 hours/day for convertible bench tables. Product life will be affected by user size/weight, daily hours of use, product use, care and maintenance, 15

The Definitive Guide to North American Furniture Testing

environment, and other factors, and, as such, product compliance to this standard does not necessarily guarantee a ten-year product life. Actual life of the product may be more or less than ten years depending on the aforementioned factors.

ANSI BIFMA X6.1 Educational Seating Section Test Description Section Test Description Durability Test for Convertible Bench 5 Stability Tests 15 Tables with Casters 6 Backrest Strength Test - Static 16 Leg Strength Tests

7 Backrest Durability Test - Cyclic 17 Structural Member Strength Test

8 Drop Test - Dynamic 18 Swivel Test - Cyclic Seat Static Load Test for Chair Desks and 9 19 Tablet Arm Test - Front Stability Fixed-Tablet Arm Chairs 10 Seating Durability Tests - Cyclic 20 Tablet Arm Static Load Test

11 Arm Strength Test - Vertical - Static 21 Tablet Arm Load Ease Test - Cyclic Chair Desk and Table Top Horizontal 12 Arm Strength Test - Horizontal - Static 22 Surface Vertical Load Tests Chair Desk and Convertible Bench Table 13 Arm Durability Test - Angular - Cyclic 23 Top Load Ease Test - Cyclic Static Loading of Storage (Backpack) 14 Caster/Chair Base Durability Test - Cyclic 24 Hooks & Unit Stability

ANSI/BIFMA S6.5 Small Office/Home Office Furniture (Issued: 2008 (R2013)) This standard is intended to provide a common basis of mechanical tests for evaluating the safety, durability, and structural adequacy of storage and desk-type furniture intended for use in the small office and/or home office. The styling, marketing, and chain of distribution for these products are intended to address usage in a residential, home office, or small office environment. These products may be completely assembled, partly assembled, or totally unassembled (often known as RTA or “ready to assemble”), when they leave the control of the manufacturer; partly assembled and RTA products are designed to be assembled by the end user. Where a product is intended for use outside of the small office and home office environments, it is the responsibility of the user of this standard to determine if it is suitable for use in such evaluations.

This standard defines tests used to determine acceptability of the product for the intended and reasonably foreseeable uses of the product. Reasonable safety of the product shall be considered the manufacturer's responsibility only to the extent that the product is assembled and used in accordance with the original manufacturer's instructions. The assembler must follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure the product performs as designed.

The Definitive Guide to North American Furniture Testing

ANSI/BIFMA S6.5 Small Office/Home Office Furniture Section Test Description Section Test Description 4 Stability Tests 11.3 Force Test for Door Locks Extendible Element/Equipment Surface 4.2 Stability Under Vertical Load Test 12 Test - Cyclic Cycle Test for Extendible Stability Test for Units with Extendible 4.3 12.2 Elements/Equipment Surfaces Deeper Load-Bearing Elements Than Wide Cycle Test for Extendible 4.4 Stability Test for Freestanding Pedestals 12.3 Elements/Equipment Surfaces Wider Than Deep Horizontal Stability Test for Desk/Tables 4.5 12.4 Cycle Test for Center/Pencil Drawers with Casters Horizontal Force Stability/Disengagement Extendible Element/Equipment Surface 4.6 13 Test for Tall Units Retention Tests Vertical Force Stability For Bookcases and 4.7 14 Rebound Test Other Units Without Extendible Elements Horizontal Force Stability for Bookcases Keyboard Support and Input Device 4.8 and Other Units Without Extendible 15 Support Adjustment Tests Elements 5 Static Load Tests 16 Hinged Door Tests Distributed Functional Load Test for Strength Test for Vertically Hinged 5.2 16.1 Individual Surfaces Doors Concentrated Functional Load Test For Wear and Fatigue Tests for All Hinged 5.3 16.2 Primary Surfaces Doors Distributed Proof Load Test for Individual Slam Open/Closed Test for Vertically 5.4 16.3 Surfaces Hinged Doors Concentrated Proof Load Test for Drop Cycle Test for Horizontally Hinged 5.5 16.4 Individual Surfaces and Horizontally Receding Doors 5.6 Unit Strength Test - Static Load 17 Receding Door Tests - Cyclic 5.7 Extendible Element Proof Load Test 17.2 Test for Horizontal Receding Doors 6 Top Load Ease Test - Cyclic 17.3 Test for Vertical Receding Doors Sliding and Tambour Door Tests - 7 Leg Strength Test - Static 18 Cyclic 8 Horizontal Racking Resistance Test 18.2 Wear and Fatigue Test Slam Open and Closed Test for Doors 9 Interlock Test - Static 18.3 Which Do Not Free Fall Durability Test for Products with 10 Drop Test 19 Casters - Cyclic 11 Lock Tests 20 Pull Force Test 11.2 Force Test for Extendible Element Locks

The Definitive Guide to North American Furniture Testing

Upcoming Changes or New Standards BIFMA X5.11 – General Purpose Large Occupant Office Chairs Projected Release: End of 2014 Standard was approved on January 5, 2015

This standard is intended to provide manufacturers, specifiers, and users with a common basis for evaluating the safety, durability, and structural adequacy of office chairs for large occupants (often referred to as “users” throughout this standard).

Large occupant office chairs are normally used in an office environment and may include, but are not limited to those seating styles typically referred to as: executive/management, task/secretarial, side/guest chairs, and stacking chairs. This standard describes the means of evaluating large occupant office chairs, independent of construction materials, manufacturing processes, mechanical designs or aesthetic designs. This standard does not address lounge seating, stools, flammability, surface material durability, cushioning materials, or product emissions.

The standard defines specific tests, laboratory equipment that may be used, conditions of tests, and the minimum acceptance levels to be used in evaluating large occupant office chairs. The acceptance levels and test parameters given in this standard are based on the actual field use and test experience of BIFMA members. Where appropriate, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 05-08, which indicates the 99.5th percentile male weight approaches 400 pounds, was used in the development of the tests. Chairs that are designed to this standard must have seat widths of 560 mm (22 in.) or greater (See Section 5). Chairs with seat widths at or wider than this may be used by smaller individuals, but may not be ergonomically correct or comfortable for smaller users. Users of this standard are discouraged from applying this standard to general office chairs, which are covered by the X5.1 standard.

The tests were developed with an estimated product life of ten years based on single-shift usage. Product life will be affected by user size/weight, product use, care and maintenance, environment, and other factors, and, as such, product compliance to this standard does not necessarily guarantee a ten-year product life.

BIFMA X5.11 – General Purpose Large Occupant Office Chairs Section Test Description Section Test Description

5 Seat Width Measurement 15 Backrest Durability Test – Cyclic – Type I Backrest Durability Test – Cyclic – Type II & 6 Backrest Strength Test - Static - Type l 16 III 7 Backrest Strength Test - Static - Type II and III 17 Caster/Chair Base Durability Test - Cyclic Leg Strength Test - Front and Side 8 Drop Test – Dynamic 18 Application 9 Swivel Test – Cyclic 19 Arm Durability Test - Cyclic Out Stop Tests for Chairs with Manually 10 Tilt Mechanism Test - Cyclic 20 Adjustable Seat Depth 11 Seating Durability Test - Cyclic 21 Tablet Arm Static Load Test

12 Stability Tests 22 Tablet Arm Load Ease Test - Cyclic

13 Arm Strength Test - Vertical – Static 23 Structural Durability Test

14 Arm Strength Test - Horizontal – Static

The Definitive Guide to North American Furniture Testing

BIFMA Healthcare Patient Seating Projected Release: No projected release date This standard is intended to provide manufacturers, specifiers, and users with a common basis for evaluating the safety, durability, and structural adequacy of healthcare patient seating, which is normally used in indoor public spaces such as waiting, reception, or patient room areas. Healthcare patient seating includes products with single seat units, units with multiple seating positions within one unit, or ganged seating units. Healthcare patient seating may be restrained from moving by attaching to the building structure or freestanding. This standard covers stools, sofa beds, recliners, exam chairs, lounge seating, and heavy occupant seating. This standard does not address general-purpose or task-oriented chairs (healthcare staff). Products designed to meet this standard should also be appropriate to use in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and for home healthcare use. Products designed to the requirements in this standard may not appropriate for use in psychiatric facilities; products for use in those environments typically have additional design requirements/considerations that are not addressed in this standard. This standard does not address Class II medical devices as defined by the FDA (CFR 820).

Where a product may be covered by more than one ANSI/BIFMA standard, the manufacturer shall determine which standard provides most appropriate test conditions. Where a product is intended for use outside of the healthcare and related institutional environments, it is the responsibility of the user of this standard to determine if it is suitable for use in such evaluations.

The Definitive Guide to North American Furniture Testing

Appendix B – Safety Testing

Standards-Setting Organization – Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

Purpose of Testing – Standards are designed to provide manufacturers and users with a common basis for evaluating the product’s electrical, mechanical, and design safety in a normal-use environment.

Key Testing Standards, Protocols, & Equipment

UL 65 – Standard for Wired Cabinets (Issued: Dec 1955 / Ed: 7 Rev: 2010/26/10) 1.1 These requirements cover wired cabinets (showcases) for use in other than hazardous (classified) locations in accordance with the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70. 1.2 These requirements cover display cases (showcases) and special-purpose cabinets containing electrical wiring, with or without illumination. 1.3 These requirements also cover wired cabinets and display cases (showcases) of such size that they must be sectionalized for shipping from the factory, and assembled and wired at the installation site. 1.4 These requirements do not cover bathroom cabinets, cabinets provided with or designed for use with refrigeration equipment, or general use cabinets or boxes intended for the enclosure of electrical equipment.

UL 962 - Household and Commercial Furnishings (Issued: 2008/07/07 | Ed: 4 Rev: 2014/11/07) THIS FOURTH EDITION REPLACES THE THIRD EDITION. AS OF JANUARY 1, 2016, UL 962, EDITION 3 WILL BE WITHDRAWN

1.1 These requirements cover: a) Motor-operated furniture, such as motor-operated beds lift, chairs and blood donor chairs; b) Electrified and non-electrified furniture; c) Non-seasonal electrical decorations such as lava lamps and wave machines; d) Home and individual office furnishings, such as study carrels, consoles and desks; e) Commercial product and informational retail sale displays such as: 1) Shelving units (Gondolas); 2) Merchandise kiosks (such as the mini-stores in the middle of a mall); 3) Cash station stands (POS – Point of Sale); 4) Motorized carpet displays; and 5) Product platforms f) Electrified building components, such as heated and electro-chromatic windows and illuminated mirror and bathroom television cabinets; g) Illuminated make-up mirrors; h) Other similar miscellaneous furnishings intended for use in residential or commercial environments; i) Conference room tables; and j) Massage tables. 1.2 These requirements cover products rated 600 V ac or less. 1.3 A furnishing intended to support audio/video equipment shall be evaluated in accordance with one of the following: a) If the audio/video support system is an entertainment center, cart, or a stand and it is intended for support or attachment of audio/video equipment, the Standard for Household, Commercial, and Institutional-Use Carts, Stands and Entertainment Centers for Use with Audio and/or Video Equipment, UL 1678 applies; b) If the audio/video support system is intended to be mounted to walls, ceilings or another part of a building structure as the primary support means, the Standard for Wall- and Ceiling-Mounts and Accessories, UL 2442, applies; 20

The Definitive Guide to North American Furniture Testing

c) If a cart, stand or support surface is supplied with the audio or video equipment by the manufacturer of the audio or video equipment, the requirements contained in the Standard for Audio, Video, and Similar Electronic Apparatus-Safety Requirements, UL 60065, or the Standard for Information Technology Equipment – Safety – Part 1: General Requirements, UL 60950-1, as applicable to the product applies; d) Information Technology and Communications Equipment Cabinets, Enclosure and Rack Systems are investigated to the Standard for Information Technology Equipment – Safety – Part1: General Requirements, UL 60950-1 or the Standard for Audio/Video, Information and Communication Technology Equipment – Part 1: Safety Requirements, UL 62368-1; e) For retail product displays incorporating audio/video equipment to attract attention to the products for sale, UL 962 applies. 1.4 These requirements do not cover products intended for patient care areas. Patient care area products utilized under the supervision of a health care professional are covered by the Standard for Medical Electrical Equipment, Part 1: General Requirements for Safety, UL 60601-1. 1.5 Motorized equipment used for massaging and exercising is covered under the Standard for Motor- Operated Massage and Exercise Machines, UL 1647. 1.6 Office furnishings are covered by the Standard for Office Furnishings, UL 1286. 1.7 Illuminated display cases, showcases and cabinets, such as jewelry display cases, used in commercial applications are covered by the Standard for Wired Cabinets, UL 65. 1.8 Advertising displays may also be covered by the Standard for Electric Signs, UL 48. 1.9 Self-contained, custom-built kiosks that provide information, ticket machines, electronic point-of-sale products, customer self-checkout stands, and business application products are covered by the Outline of Investigation for Custom Built Kiosks, UL 2361. 1.10 These requirements do not cover portable luminaires. The Standard for Portable Electric Luminaires, UL 153 covers portable luminaires. 1.11 A product that employs an electromagnetic interference filter shall also comply with the Standard for Electromagnetic Interference Filters, UL 1283. A product that employs a transient voltage surge suppressor shall also comply with the Standard for Surge Protective Devices, UL 1449. Telephone equipment and communication circuit protectors included in a furnishing shall comply with the requirements in the Standard for Information Technology Equipment – Safety – Part 1: General Requirements, UL 60950-1, and the requirements in the Standard for Secondary Protectors for Communications Circuits, UL 497A, respectively. A furnishing that incorporates an antenna discharge unit or provides antenna connections to a television, a high-voltage video product, or antenna shall comply with the applicable requirements in the Standard for Antenna Discharge Units, UL 452, and the Standard for Audio-Video Products and Accessories, UL 1492. A product that employs ground-fault protection shall comply with the requirements in the Standard for Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters, UL 943. 1.12 Bunk bed structural requirements are covered by the Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Bunk Beds, ASTM F1427. Any electrical components of bunk beds are required to meet the applicable requirements of UL 962. 1.13 Toy chest structural requirements are covered by the Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Toy Chests, ASTM F834. Any electrical components of these products are required to meet the applicable requirements of UL 962. 1.14 These requirements do not cover products that are specifically intended for infants or juveniles. Cribs are covered by Federal Register 16 CFR Parts 1219, 1220, and 1500 Safety Standards for Full-Size Baby Cribs and Non-Full-Size Baby Cribs. 1.15 Furnishings incorporating low pressure inflators are covered by the Standard for Motor-Operated Air Compressors, Vacuum Pumps, and Painting Equipment, UL 1450, and in addition shall comply with the applicable requirements of UL 962. 1.16 These requirements do not cover seasonal (holiday products) – A product painted in colors to suggest a holiday theme such as a snow covering, a figure in a holiday costume, or any decoration associated with a holiday or particular season of the year. 1.17 These requirements do not cover furnishings, equipment or appliances that are covered by requirements that are separate from this standard. 21

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UL 60950-1 – Information Technology Equipment (Second Edition, 2007) This standard is applicable to mains-powered or battery-powered information technology equipment, including electrical business equipment and associated equipment, with a RATED VOLTAGE not exceeding 600 V and designed to be installed in accordance with the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I, CSA C22.1-09; General Requirements – Canadian Electrical Code, Part II, CSA C22.2 No. 0-10; the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70-2008; and the National Electrical Safety Code, IEEE C2-2007.

The standard is also applicable to equipment, unless otherwise identified by a marking or instructions, designed to be installed in accordance with Article 645 of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70, and the Standard for the Protection of Information Technology Equipment, NFPA 75-2009.

This standard is also applicable to such information technology equipment:  Designed for use as telecommunication terminal equipment and TELECOMMUNICATION NETWORK infrastructure equipment, regardless of the source of power;  Designed and intended to be connected directly to, or used as infrastructure equipment in, a CABLE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM, regardless of the source of power;  Designed to use the AC MAINS SUPPLY as a communication transmission medium (see Clause 6, Note 4 and 7.1, Note 4).

This standard is also applicable to components and subassemblies intended for incorporation in information technology equipment. It is not expected that such components and subassemblies comply with every aspect of the standard, provided that the complete information technology equipment, incorporating such components and subassemblies, does comply.

UL-60335-1 – Household and Similar Electrical Appliances (Fifth Edition, 2011) This International Standard deals with the safety of electrical appliances for household and similar purposes, their RATED VOLTAGE being not more than 250 V for single-phase appliances and 480 V for other appliances. Appliances not intended for normal household use but which nevertheless may be a source of danger to the public, such as appliances intended to be used by laymen in shops, in light industry and on farms, are within the scope of this standard (examples of such appliances are catering equipment, cleaning appliances for industrial and commercial use and appliances for hairdressers).

As far as is practicable, this standard deals with the common hazards presented by appliances that are encountered by all persons in and around the home. However, in general, it does not take into account:  persons (including children) whose physical, sensory or mental capabilities or lack of experience and knowledge prevents them from using the appliance safely without supervision or instruction  children playing with the appliance

CSA C22.2.68 - Motor-Operated Appliances (Household and Commercial) (Issued: 2009/09/01 Ed: 7) This standard applies to motor-operated appliances* intended for use with nominal system voltages of 600 V and less, except that where appliances are driven by universal-type motors or electromagnetic mechanisms, the scope is limited to appliances rated for use on nominal system voltages of 240 V or less. This standard applies to appliances designed to be used in accordance with the Rules of the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I. *For convenience, the term “appliance” or “equipment” is used in this Standard

This standard applies to permanently connected and cord-connected appliances for household and commercial use in non-hazardous locations. (Note: The products covered by this standard include shaving and massage appliances, hair clippers, sewing machines, automotive servicing equipment, air compressors, car wash equipment, chairs, beds, exercise appliances, paint sprayers, paint rollers, parts cleaners, household trash compactors, food-waste disposers, barbecue motors, hand-held engravers, and similar equipment. 22

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This standard applies to sprayers intended for extensive open spraying of cleaning fluids, paint, insecticides, and similar liquids having a flashpoint higher than 60 °C, but excluding electrostatic sprayers and sprayers for use in spray booths or in other areas where hazardous concentrations of flammable vapors are likely to be present.

Automotive equipment covered by this standard, such as wheel aligners, engine timing lights, and analyzers, might or might not have motors.

Requirements for cord-connected double-insulated appliances are specified in Clause 8.

This standard does not include requirements for equipment covered by a specific standard under the Canadian Electrical Code, Part II (e.g., drafting tables, pencil sharpeners).

In CSA standards, “shall” is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with the standard; “should” is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; “may” is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the standard; and “can” is used to express possibility or capability. Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material. Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements. Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (non-mandatory) to define their application.

UL 962A - Furniture Power Distribution Units (Issued: 2008/12/22 Ed: 2 Rev: 2013/09/10) These requirements cover cord-connected, indoor use, furniture power distribution units (FPDU) that consist of single or multiple outlet wiring devices that provide power for and are intended to be installed in commercial or household (residential) portable or stationary furnishings only. These units provide outlet receptacle(s) for computers, audio and video equipment, and other equipment that is mounted on or in commercial or household (residential) portable or stationary furnishings. Furniture power distribution units may also be provided with fuses or other supplementary overcurrent protection, switches, suppression components, EMI filters, uninterruptible power supplies, and/or indicator lights in any combination, or connections for cable communications, telephone and/or antenna.

FPDUs are intended to be directly connected to a permanently installed branch circuit receptacle. FPDUs are not intended to be series connected (daisy chained) to other FPDUs, re-locatable power taps, or to extension cords.

These requirements cover products rated 250 V AC or less and 16 A AC or less.

These requirements do not cover products for use in fixed furnishings.

Furniture power distribution units are not intended to function as general use re-locatable power taps.

A furniture power distribution unit that employs an electromagnetic interference filter shall also comply with the Standard for Electromagnetic Interference Filters, UL 1283.

A furniture power distribution unit that employs a transient voltage surge suppressor shall also comply with the Standard for Surge Protective Devices, UL 1449.

Telephone equipment and communication circuit protectors included in a furniture power distribution unit shall comply with the requirements in the Standard for Information Technology Equipment Safety - Part 1: General Requirements , UL 60950-1, and the requirements in the Standard for Secondary Protectors for Communications Circuits, UL 497A, respectively.

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A furniture power distribution unit that incorporates an antenna discharge unit or provides antenna connections to a television, a high-voltage video product, or antenna shall comply with the applicable requirements in the Standard for Antenna-Discharge Units, UL 452, and the Standard for Audio-Video Products and Accessories, UL 1492.

A cord-connected product that employs ground-fault protection shall comply with the requirements in the Standard for Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters, UL 943.

A product that employs an uninterruptible power supply shall comply with the requirements in the Standard for Uninterruptible Power Systems, UL 1778.

UL 1286 – Office Furnishings (Issued: 2008/08/28 Ed: 5 Rev: 2013/09/19) These requirements cover office furnishing panels, study carrels, work stations, and pedestal-style systems that form an office furnishing system in accordance with the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70. These are able to be provided with an electrical distribution system, including switches, convenience outlets, and channels for routing communication cables within system components separate from electrical raceways. Office furnishing systems include filing cabinets, desks, work surfaces, shelves, storage units, and similar items that have a particular electrical or mechanical function unique to an office furnishing system.

These requirements also cover lighting units intended to be mechanically attached to particular components within an individual device or office furnishing system.

These requirements also cover modular pre-wired office furnishing raceway wiring systems.

These requirements do not cover panels that are intended to penetrate the ceiling, or that are used to support the building structure.

Tips for Ensuring a More Effective Safety Evaluation  Those new to the process of safety testing should consider conducting a preliminary design review, which provides a high level overview of your product and standard requirements.  Ensure all critical components of the final products are listed / recognized by a Nationally Recognized Test Lab (NRTL). If components are not certified, the NRTL can perform limited component evaluations as part of the final end product as required.  Purchase a copy of the standard and review it internally before seeking certification.  Review the standards cautionary/warning requirements for your product to ensure they are met, as each standard has unique requirements.  Have a user guide/installation manual ready to submit at the start of the evaluation.

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Appendix C – Flammability Testing

Standards-Setting Organization – American National Standards Institute (ANSI), National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), and BUREAU OF ELECTRONIC & APPLIANCE REPAIR HOME FURNISHINGS & THERMAL INSULATION (BEARHFTI)

Purpose of Testing – Standards are designed to provide manufacturers and users with a common basis for evaluating the safety of a product’s use in its intended marketplace.

Key Testing Standards, Protocols, & Equipment 16 CFR 1632 —Standard for the Flammability of Mattresses and Mattress Pads (FF 4-72, Amended) (Latest Version: 1984)

This standard prescribes requirements for testing of prototype designs of mattresses and mattress pads before the sale in commerce or the introduction in commerce of any mattress or mattress pad which is subject to the standard. The standard prescribes a test to determine the ignition resistance of a mattress or a mattress pad when exposed to a lighted cigarette.

The standard sets forth a test at §1632.6 which may be used to classify ticking materials for resistance to cigarette ignition.

The standard sets forth a test at §1632.7 which may be used to demonstrate that the substitution of tape edge materials will not reduce the ignition resistance of a mattress prototype or a mattress pad prototype.

This is a smoldering source test on a mattress prototype. The method measures the ignition resistance of a mattress or mattress pad by exposing the surface to lighted cigarettes in a draft-protected environment. The surfaces to be tested include smooth, tape edge, and quilted or tufted locations, if they exist on the mattress or mattress pad surface. A two-sheet test is also conducted on similar surface locations. In the latter test, the burning cigarettes are placed between the sheets.

A minimum of 6 surfaces must be tested and pass the criteria*. The criteria states: When testing the mattress or mattress pad surface in accordance with the testing procedure set forth in §1632.4 Mattress test procedure, individual cigarette test locations pass the test if the char length is not more than 2 inches (5.1 cm) in any direction from the nearest point of the cigarette. In the interest of safety, the test operator should discontinue the test and record a failure before reaching the 2 inch char length if an obvious ignition has occurred.

*Per an Interim Enforcement Policy issued May 15, 2006: “The Office of Compliance will exercise its enforcement discretion and permit manufacturers to reduce testing from six mattress surfaces to two mattress surfaces for each new prototype created to comply with the Open-Flame Standard. Thus, a prototype will be accepted if the char lengths of the 18 individual cigarettes are not more than two inches in any direction from the nearest point of the cigarette on two mattress surfaces. This policy applies only to mattress prototypes created after the March 15, 2006 publication of 16 C.F.R. Part 1633 in the Federal Register. Mattress prototypes created prior to March 15, 2006 are subject to the full requirements of Part 1632.

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16 FR 1633 —Standard for the Flammability (Open Flame) Of Mattress Sets (Latest Version: March 15, 2006)

This part 1633 establishes flammability requirements that all mattress sets must meet before sale or introduction into commerce. The purpose of the standard is to reduce deaths and injuries associated with mattress fires by limiting the size of the fire generated by a mattress set during a thirty minute test.

All mattress sets, as defined in §1633.2(c), manufactured, imported, or renovated on or after the effective date of this standard are subject to the requirements of the standard. One-of-a-kind mattress sets may be exempted from testing under this standard in accordance with §1633.13(c).

The requirements of this part 1633 shall apply to each “manufacturer” (as that term is defined in §1633.2(k)) of mattress sets which are manufactured for sale in commerce. §1633.2(c): Mattress set means either a mattress and foundation labeled by the manufacturer for sale as a set, or a mattress labeled by the manufacturer for sale without any foundation. This is an open flame test on a mattress prototype, which requires three samples of the same prototype to meet the test criteria. Criteria: (i) The peak rate of heat release shall not exceed 200 kilowatts (“kW”) at any time within the 30 minute test; and (ii) The total heat release shall not exceed 15 mega joules (“MJ”) for the first 10 minutes of the test.

Test Duration: 30 minutes

California Technical Bulletin 133 —Flammability Test Procedure for Seating Furniture for Use in Public Occupancies (Latest Version: January 1991)

This test procedure is designed to test seating furniture for use in occupancies that are identified as or considered to be public occupancies. Such facilities might include, but are not limited to, jails, prisons, nursing care homes, health care facilities, public auditoriums, hotels, and motels.

This test procedure is not intended to be used for the evaluation of residential furniture.

It is the intent of the Bureau that furniture complying with Technical Bulletin 133 be safer furniture when subjected to the ignition source specified by this test. This type of ignition may be typical of arson or incendiary fires or common accidental fires in public buildings. This Bureau expects manufacturers attempting to comply with this standard will also seek to make safer furniture, and will not attempt to compromise the intent of the standard in any manner.

Seating furniture fails to meet the requirements of this test procedure if any of the following criteria are exceeded in a room test using oxygen consumption calorimetry.  A maximum rate of heat release of 80 kW or greater.  A total heat release of 25 MJ or greater in the first 10 minutes of the test.

Test Duration: 1 hour

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California Technical Bulletin 117-2013 — Requirements, Test Procedure and Apparatus for Testing the Smolder Resistance of Materials Used in Upholstered Furniture (Latest Version: June 2013)

The intent of this standard is to produce upholstered furniture which is safer from the hazards associated with smoldering ignition. This standard provides methods for smolder resistance of cover fabrics, barrier materials, resilient filling materials, and decking materials for use in upholstered furniture.  This is a fire-test-response standard.  These test methods are designed for the assessment of the resistance of upholstered furniture component assemblies to combustion after exposure to smoldering cigarettes under specified conditions.  The tests apply to upholstered furniture components - cover fabrics, barrier materials, resilient filling materials, and decking materials.  The individual test methods and the materials to which they apply are as follows: o Cover Fabric Test - Applies to outer cover fabrics. o Barrier Materials Test - Applies to materials that are intended to serve as a barrier (interliner) between cover fabric and the resilient filling materials. o Resilient Filling Material Test – Applies to resilient filling materials used in upholstered seating furniture. o Decking Material Test – Applies to resilient materials used in the deck under loose cushions.  This is a new standard that becomes effective in January 2015. Manufacturers are recommended to begin pursuing compliance with the new standard as soon as possible prior to the effective date.

California Bill 1019 (Effective January 1, 2015) This standard follows up Technical Bulletin 117-2013 by mandating that manufacturers who do business in California are required to identify and label upholstered products that contain added flame retardants (FR) chemicals

Boston Fire Department Regulation IX-10 — Regulation of Upholstered Furniture (Latest Version: January 1995)

This document describes the procedure by which upholstered furniture is regulated under the authority of the Fire Prevention Code. The component approval process is eliminated effective January 1, 1995. The Boston Fire Department Chair Test is no longer acceptable for approval purposes.

Test procedure is based on those found in California Technical Bulletin 133.

Boston Fire Department Seating Criteria (1) For Open Calorimeter Test Method:  Rate of Heat Release: Shall not exceed 80 kW (kilowatts) during the entire test.  Total Heat Release: Shall not exceed 25 MJ (mega joules) for the first 10 minutes or the time interval for the occurrence of the maximum rate of heat release.  Total Mass Loss: Shall not exceed 3 pounds for the entire test.

Test Duration: 1 hour

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Boston Fire Department Regulation IX-11 —Mattress Fire Test (Latest Version: September 1993) This fire test procedure is designed to evaluate mattresses intended for use in health care facilities, hotels and dormitories. The Boston Fire Department Regulatory Action of October 25, 1990 and subsequent revisions shall use this fire test method to prescribe performance requirements for mattresses, box springs, and bedding.

Performance criteria are provided in the Boston Fire Department Regulatory Action of November 12, 1991.

Boston Fire Department Regulatory Action of November 12,1991 states: “Mattresses and mattress/box spring assemblies when tested in accordance with BFD IX-11 Mattress Fire Test (April 15,1991) shall have limited rates of heat release, mass loss, and carbon monoxide generation as follows:”  “The peak rate of heat release shall not exceed 150 KW  The total heat released in the test shall not exceed 30 MJ for the first 10 minutes.  The total mass loss shall not exceed the mass of the bedding used for the test.  The maximum concentration of carbon monoxide in the room fire test shall not exceed 1,000 ppm for more than 5 minutes.

Test Duration: 30 Minutes

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Appendix D – Environmental Testing

Standards-Setting Organization – The Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association (BIFMA), American National Standards Institute (ANSI), and NSF International

Purpose of Testing – Standards are designed to provide manufacturers and users with a common basis for evaluating the environmental, health, and sustainable attributes of product and organizational claims

Key Testing Standards, Protocols, & Equipment BIFMA e3-2014e Furniture Sustainability Standard This standard was created by a Joint Committee of BIFMA and NSF International and provides a pathway towards sustainability by establishing measurable market-based criteria to demonstrate sustainable attributes related to the manufacture of the product, the environmental impacts of the facility, and the business and social responsibilities of the organization. All business and institutional furniture can achieve certification with BIFMAe3 including, but not limited to, Moveable Walls, Systems Furniture, Desking Systems, Casegoods, Tables, Seating, and Accessories. Furniture manufacturers, their facilities in any country, and vendors may demonstrate compliance and thus third-party certification to BIFMAe3. This Standard addresses product-based characteristics in the general areas of materials, use of energy, human and ecosystem health, and social responsibility impacts. The credits and prerequisites in the standard consist of four basic elements: Materials, Energy and Atmosphere, Human and Ecosystem Health, and Social Responsibility.

ANSI/BIFMA X7.1-2011 This standard’s test method recognizes furniture VOC emission concentrations, including Formaldehyde and Aldehydes, in newly- manufactured products.

ANSI/BIFMA M7.1-2011 This standard defines the acceptance VOC emission criteria for low-emitting VOC concentrations of newly-manufactured (furniture) products. This standard specifies accepted VOC emission concentration levels for individual compounds and total VOCs for low-emitting (furniture) products that have been selected for product certification or verification.

Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) A LCA follows the boundary elements stated in ISO 14040 (Goal and Scope Definition) and ISO 14044 (Life Cycle Inventory). The Life-cycle analysis (LCA) allows third-party testing organizations to determine the environmental consequences of a product, from the extraction of raw materials to the disposal (from the extraction of raw materials, transportation to the manufacturing facility, manufacturing, delivery to the project, installation, useful life, removal, and transportation to the landfill or recycling facility). This is also called Cradle-to-Grave. The organization can determine the environmental consequences of a product including relative to the Earth (minerals), Water, Atmosphere (climate), and Health (eco-toxicity and human toxicity).

Product Category Rule (PCR) The PCR provides the recipe to create the LCA study for the third party verification. PCR are documents that define the rules and requirements of the Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) for specific product categories and are vital in allowing for transparency and comparability between different EPDs that are based on the same PCR. (Example: BIFMA has written a Systems PCR. With this, different manufacturers can use the same PCR for different products to create the LCA. Once the LCA is created, the individual EPD can be developed for the specific product).

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Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) Environmental Product Declarations are detailed reports on the environmental impact of products from a cradle-to-grave perspective (LCA) and other relevant information within the scope in accordance with ISO 14025 (Type III Environmental Declarations). The EPD is a registered trademark with the European Union.

Health Product Declaration (HPD) A standardized way for reporting material contents of building products and the health effects associated with these materials. HPDs are third party-verified to ensure transparency for data and information collected about the materials and potential hazards of the materials. HPDs include a full disclosure for the intentional ingredients and or known hazards within the materials of the product. Chemicals ingredients can be identified by working with the manufacturer’s supply chain.

There are some organizations that can help with chemical transparency for HPDs. GreenWizzard can be used with LEEDv4, though the Green Screen Assessment Tool is included in LEEDv4 credit compliance.